Cardiff Fire have confirmed they will be playing English National League ice hockey in the new season.

While Cardiff Devils have a team in the top section, Fire have committed to the Second Division.

The experienced Mark Cuddihy will be Fire’s head coach, while players already signed include goaltender Mike Brabon, Ricky Deacon, Ross Wilkinson, Dan Blakemore and Phil Manny.

“We are excited to confirm that Cardiff Fire will play in the EIHA National League Division Two,” says Cuddihy.

Cardiff Fire's Ross Wilkinson, a player who will stand up for his team-mates

“We are looking ahead to the new season and anything that happened in the past is forgotten. The past won’t be mentioned.

“The desire shown for this team by a lot of people has been quite incredible and that’s why we decided to go for it.

“There is a lot of work ahead, but I am confident we can all reach our goals and deliver an exciting entertaining team again.”

Fire will compete against current champions Bristol Pitbulls, Basingstoke Buffalo, Swindon Wildcats and Wightlink Tigers in the South West section of their division with the top two taking on the East leaders in a shootout for promotion to Division One.

Fire have put in place a management structure similar to that for the Devils’ NIHL Division One team up to the 2013-14 season.

Cuddihy is head coach, while Marilyn Parsons, Deacon, Brabon, Blakemore and Jason Proctor are all involved in the new team.

Deacon returns to Cardiff as player/general manager, having spent last season with London Raiders in Division one. He has played in Cardiff most of his career, scoring 85 goals with 185 assists in 232 matches.

“I’ve spent the past seven years playing in Division One, but I don’t think I have looked forward to playing for a team more than I have this year,” said Deacon. “It’s exciting with the new arena around the corner and what looks to be a team that could take the league title.”

Goalie Brabon, from Caerphilly, also returns to Cardiff from London. He has amassed a wealth of experience during his hockey career and played Elite League hockey for Devils.

Brabon has also played for Telford Tigers, Swindon Wildcats, Romford Raiders and Wightlink Raiders.

Anybody is interested in supporting, sponsoring or playing for Cardiff Fire then please email mark.cuddihy@cardiff-fire.com or rickydeacon@cardiff-fire.com